A.N.A. Bulletin, 11/11/95

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 738), November 11, 1995

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Kinnock, Romeos discuss possibilities of more cash for inter-European networks

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos had talks yesterday with Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock on increasing the level of financing available for the creation of Inter-European Networks, and other European Union issues.

"We raised the issue of the Inter-European networks and discussed their financing. We ascertained that which is already known, that is, the funding which has been decided is insufficient... and we agree with the Commission's efforts for an increase in t he Inter-European network funds," Mr. Romeos said after the meeting.

He said their meeting had also discussed the report on the Inter-European networks to be submitted by the Commission at the EU summit in Madrid next month, EU enlargement, Structural Funds and next year's Intergovernmental Conference.

"When we see the Commission's report, we shall support it," Mr. Romeos told the ANA.

Earlier yesterday, Mr. Kinnock had talks with Transport Minister Evangelos Venizelos on European transport policy, the transit of Greek products, the rehabilitation of the national carrier Olympic Airways and other issues.

Speaking at a press conference after talks with Mr. Venizelos, Mr. Kinnock said that the EU and its institutional bodies remained firm in their decision to construct the Egnatia Highway.

Mr. Kinnock stressed that Greece could and was drawing funds for the Egnatia project from the Inter-European networks budget, the Cohesion Fund and the Regional Development Fund.

He added, however, that there was a possibility of PHARE programme funds being allocated for the construction of the so-called "para-Egnatia highway", by Bulgaria, Turkey, FYROM and Albania, which would link Durres on the Adriatic with Istanbul and shadow the route of the Egnatia Highway.

When asked how Turkey could be so certain about securing funds for the "para-Egnatia", Mr. Kinnock clarified that the possibilities for funding which are available through PHARE and the opportunities which might exist for the partial financing of construction were two completely different matters.

"What is important," he added, "is that the Egnatia Highway is being constructed on the territory of an EU member state.

"At the present time we are interested in developing the economy, trade and cohesion in the broader European area. I am certain that the Greek people share this feeling. We can all profit from the development of the economy of a neighboring country. Whatever can be done must be done for the less developed economies to progress. However, no matter how much we want these economies to develop, we have little money and therefore cannot do what we would like to do. "Also, there is a completely different legislative system for non-EU states. One is able to see the difference between the Egnatia Highway on the one hand, which has the support of the EU and the various funds, and this other road, construction of which has not even begun and which may receive only partial funding from the PHARE programme."

On the issue of transit trade, Mr. Kinnock said that the Commission supported the idea of a "mandate to negotiate" the transit of goods and market access, adding that the Commission was in favor of a transit agreement between Greece and the countries of Eastern Europe.

Later, Mr. Kinnock addressed "the problems and prospects of European transport," at a special function organized by the Greek delegation of the European Commission.

Mr. Kinnock acknowledged the transport-related problems Greece is faced with due to its geographical position, but said the Commission was pressing for solutions.

The commissioner referred to the important role of the Greek shipping sector in Europe and the world and expressed the Commission's interest for a more substantive common shipping policy to promote competition, respect safety regulations and protect the environment.

Mr. Kinnock further said EU funding for transport works will contribute to the greater competitiveness of the Greek economy.

Mr. Kinnock also had talks Thursday with Merchant Marine Minister George Katsifaras on the Commission's views concerning future strategy in the sector of marine transport and Commission proposals concerning navigation safety and short-distance shipping.

[2] Metro

Mr. Kinnock visited the offices of the ATTIKO METRO S.A. company yesterday in the presence of Alternate Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Geitonas.

After Mr. Geitonas made a short speech underlining the importance of the commissioner's visit, ATTIKO METRO S.A. President Mr. L. Kikiras presented the project for the construction of the Athens Metro to the commissioner and his aides and outlined its progress.

Mr. Kinnock, accompanied by members of the ATTIKO METRO S.A. company, visited the workshop at the "Katehaki" station where he was briefed on the construction of the station and the operation of the TBM-2.

Mr. Kinnock said he was satisfied with the rates of progress achieved in building the Metro and the standard of work.

[3] Absorption rate of EU funds expected to be 80%, Anomeritis says

Alternate National Economy Minister George Anomeritis said yesterday that the rate of the absorption of EU funds would reach 80 per cent this year.

Within the next ten days, he added, the European Commission would disburse 500 million ECU to Greece and a further 220 million ECU by the end of the year.

Mr. Anomeritis said that the rate of absorption would increase considerably in the next few months, adding that 161 major infrastructure works had been allocated by tender in 1995 along with a further 5,500 medium-scale projects.

[4] New interministerial c'tee to oversee state procurements programme

The government's Economic Committee decided yesterday that an interministerial committee made up of the national economy, industry and commerce ministers would oversee the implementation of state procurements.

The new committee will also be responsible for making pre-emptive checks on the legality of major financial and technological procurements by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and Olympic Airways (OA).

The total state procurement programme for 1996 will amount to 1.050 trillion drachmas.

The Economic Committee also stressed that procurements programmes must be submitted on time and aim to support local industry and producers.

The meeting yesterday, chaired by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, involved a total of 10 ministers and undersecretaries.

According to reports, the Economic Committee ascertained that state agencies frequently delay submitting technical specifications for materials they desire to procure and, subsequently, impede and delay their programmes.

Commerce Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoides said a Special State Procurement Secretariat would be soon set up at the Commerce Ministry to assist the unimpeded execution of state procurements with transparency and minimal cost, while a cost establishment department is already operating for procurements, which has started market research in each sector.

Replying to a questioner on the sale of one of Olympic Airways' aircraft, Transport and Communications Minister Evangelos Venizelos said he had requested a briefing on the initiative to have the sale registered in an ad.

Mr. Venizelos said Olympic would be "impeccable" on the issue of renewing its fleet.

[5] Gov't optimistic about getting honorary Olympiad

The government appeared pleased by Thursday's meeting between Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch, during which the Greek premier requested an honorary Olympiad for Greece.

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said "something good" could come out of the meeting, adding the government's goal is for the honorary holding of the 2008 games in Athens.

[6] ND reaction

Main opposition New Democracy criticized the government yesterday for directly proposing the idea of an Athens Olympiad independent of municipal authorities and the Greek Olympic Committee. "It is well-known that procedures for requesting an Olympiad in each country are initiated by a municipality, which in turn requests the games' holding and at the same time is co-signed by the president of a national Olympic committee. The government and political parties do not participate in this (effort), but only declare their support if this is requested," ND official Vangelis Meimarakis said.

He also asked why the Athens mayor and the president of the Greek Olympic Committee were not present at Mr. Samaranch's meeting with the prime minister, adding: "the contest for and the holding of the Olympic Games is very serious issue which must not b e viewed with political criteria and should not become entangled in internal PASOK disputes..."

[7] European Olympic committees begin general assembly meeting in Athens

The sessions of the 24th General Assembly of National Olympic Committees of Europe got under way here today, attended by 151 representatives from 48 European countries and International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Samaranch referred to Greece's contribution to the course of the Olympic movement throughout history. He said that the movement was acquiring increasing prestige while managing to retain its independence and autonomy.

Regarding the preparations for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Mr. Samaranch said that the installations were "exceptional" and the success of the games would be a great success for the Olympic movement.

The IOC chief said that 14 cities had so far submitted candidacies to hold the 2004 Olympics but that in his opinion the eventual number would drop to ten. The final decision for the allocation of the games will be taken in Lausanne in September 1997.

Speaking to delegates, Sports Under-secretary George Lianis said that "Greece believes in and supports the revival of the institution of the truce (during the games), its enactment by the United Nations and the enormous efforts by Mr. Samaranch on this issue with his visit to Sarajevo."

"We are ready to invite you to Athens next year to celebrate the 100th anniversary (of the modern Olympics). We are ready to honor the games in Atlanta and we are ready to organize, after you have justly decided, the Olympic Games in the near future, in this city and with your help," Mr. Lianis told Mr. Samaranch.

Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou asked Mr. Samaranch that Greece be assigned the organization of an honorary Olympiad at a reception for the IOC chief on Thursday night.

"It is very important for the Greek people and for our youth," Mr. Papandreou said.

The government later expressed satisfaction at Thursday's meeting between Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Samaranch.

"Something good could emerge from the meeting," government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said, adding that the government's aim was for the 2004 Olympic Games to be held in Athens.

"The government will move in the direction of Athens being chosen as an honorary selection," Mr. Hytiris said.

[8] President, Constantopoulos discuss Coalition proposals

President Kostis Stephanopoulos held a meeting yesterday with Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

After the meeting, the last of a series with party leaders, Mr. Constantopoulos told reporters that the party's initiatives for the modernization and transparency of the political life of the country were "mature and useful."

He said the party "will continue to promote its proposals."

[9] Evert meets with new Turkish ambassador

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday had an informal meeting with Turkey's new Ambassador in Athens, Umit Pamir, on bilateral relations and issues of interest to both countries. Asked about the European Parliament's decision yesterday to award its 1995 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought to jailed Kurdish MP Lelyla Zana, Mr. Pamir said:

"The European Parliament is independent as is the Turkish Assembly. Whatever the European Parliament decides does not mean that it will be a decision also of the Turkish Assembly. It is an independent decision, just as the decisions of the Turkish Assembly are independent. Turkey takes its decisions on the basis of its interests."

Ms Zana is serving a 15-year jail term for involvement with the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

- Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert received a delegation from the self-declared Bosnian-Serb Republic yesterday, headed by the Republic's Vice President Biliana Plavcic.

Talks focused on issues concerning humanitarian aid to Bosnia.

[10] Premier's address to PASOK MPs Monday aims at unity, Hytiris says

The speech the prime minister will make on Monday will be of a unifying character and with substantive proposals on the better operation of PASOK's Parliamentary Group, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said yesterday.

Mr. Hytiris made no comment on a proposal tabled yesterday by 39 PASOK deputies, saying they were issues concerning the party and the Parliamentary Group and not the government.

He explained that any deputy wishing to raise an issue could do so regardless of the agenda.

[11] PASOK cadres mention party developments at Chania seminar

Developments within the ruling party PASOK were the focus of comments yesterday at the two-day seminar organized by PASOK's youth group on the 1996 European Union Intergovernmental Conferen-ce (IGC) in Chania, Crete.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis accused the media of focusing on base issues and distorting the meaning of concepts and institutions.

He lamented the fact that this was taking place at a time when the IGC was set to determine the future of Europe and its citizens for many decades to come.

He struck a similar note in his references to a gathering of about 50 centrist PASOK members Wednesday night, who expressed concern about the future of the party.

"It is clear that there are problems, and the deep concerns of every member of PASOK, and, of course, every citizen, is justified. Beyond that, I think no one has the right to distort the concerns and the anxieties of ordinary people and citizens, of an y political persuasion, possibly with ulterior motives," he said.

The party's Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis, referring to the meeting of the Parliamentary Group on Monday, and the apparent multitude of different views, said he was in favor of the theory "let all flowers bloom, the greater the number, he better things will go".

He declined comment on the centrist deputies' meeting.

Meanwhile, 36 PASOK deputies yesterday submitted a draft regulation for the Parliamentary Group to its secretary, Dimitris Beis.

The introduction to the report says it is time to form a proposal for a new relation among society, party, parliamentary group, parliament, and government.

"The debate on constitutional revision," it added, "provides an opportunity for a new balance among the functions of party, parliament, and government for a rejuvenation of politics."

[12] Socialist youth groups discuss EU future at Chania seminar

Socialist youth groups discuss EU future at Chania seminar A two-day seminar, organized by PASOK's youth group on "the 96 Intergovernmental Conference and Youth" opened yesterday in Chania, Crete, with the participation of Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Health Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis, PASOK's Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis, party deputies and local party officials as well as international and European socialist youth groups.

The seminar is taking place under the aegis of the International Socialist Youths' Union (IUSY) and the European Socialist Party Youth Union (ECOSY).

In his address, Mr. Kaklamanis referred to the "great challenges which the EU will have to deal with in 1996 - unemployment of youth and women, social protection, modernization of the EU function and the rehabilitation of lost credibility."

Mr. Skandalidis spoke of a "new European rebirth from European youth," which is expected to stem from changes in the labor market as well as social and anti-racism policies. He further stressed the necessity for "the determination of the social state," democracy and social justice.

[13] ND Political Council meets on forthcoming national conference

The main opposition New Democracy party's Political Council met yesterday under the chairmanship of leader Miltiades Evert, and discussed organizational matters regarding the party's national conference on November 18 and 19.

The Council was also briefed by Mr. Evert on a meeting he had with Athens newspaper proprietors.

Party spokesman Vassilis Manginas said later that ND attributed particular significance to the function of the press and the problems it faced. It was decided that a three-member committee, including Mr. Manginas, will be set up to discuss the problems of the press with the publishers. ANA

[14] Framework for solution to FYROM name dispute expected by year's end, sources says

United Nations special mediator for the Skopje issue Cyrus Vance will have a telephone consultation with Skopje's Foreign Minister Stevo Crvenkovski on Monday, while a meeting with Greece's permanent UN representative, Christos Zacharakis, is scheduled for mid-week.

Mr. Vance's efforts are part of continued preliminary contacts within the framework of Article 5 of an interim accord signed September 13 between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

According to diplomatic circles in New York, both Mr. Vance and the Greek side believe the framework for solving the contentious name issue should be established by the end of the year. The same sources say the current preliminary round of separate consultations by the former US secretary of state concern the official structure and procedural details as well as general principles that will apply during negotiations between Athens and Skopje. In addition, sources told ANA that postponement or delay of negotiations is not an issue, adding that FYROM's hesitation so far in announcing a representative for the New York negotiations has been misinterpreted. Diplomatic circles said the Skopje government has been preoccupied by investigations into the assassination attempt last month against FYROM President Kiro Gligorov.

The unnamed sources said they believe Skopje will soon announce their representative, with FYROM's UN delegation representative Ivan Tosevski as the most likely candidate for the post, unless Mr. Vance continues preliminary consultations by telephone with Mr. Crvenkovski.

It was emphasized that the health and ability of FYROM President Gligorov to assume his official duties are not expected to influence commencement of nego-tiations on the landlocked former Yugoslav republic's name.

The same diplomatic sources claim the Clinton administration does not appear ready to name a replacement for Matthew Nimetz, the US special presidential envoy on the Skopje issue, for upcoming negotiations.

Furthermore, the US side also does not appear to be interested directly in upcoming UN negotiations but prefers non-involvement, as Washington believes current negotiations will not create any crisis in the region, according to estimates by the same sources.

[15] Vartholomeos arrives in Crete

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrived in Iraklion yesterday after an official visit to France.

At the airport, Vartholomeos was greeted by the Education Minister George Papandreou, local authorities, deputies, the members of the holy synod of the Church of Crete and other members of the clergy.

Soon after he arrived, the Patriarch officiated at mass at the St. Minas Church. ANA

[16] Ankara complains about demonstrations in Thessaloniki

The Turkish government yesterday complained to Athens' ambassador to Ankara over recent incidents outside the Turkish consulate in Thessaloniki.

Students demonstrated outside the consulate recently to protest the kidnapping by Turkish occupation forces of a Greek-Cypriot soldier last week near the demarcation line.

According to a Turkish Foreign Ministry announcement, Ambassador Dimitris Nezeritis was called to the foreign ministry by Ankara's deputy foreign minister, Inal Batou, who cited "tension created by the local and national press".

[17] Greece honors two US representatives

Greece yesterday honored two members of the US congress, representative Lee Hamilton and former representative William Broomfield, at a special ceremony held at the Greek Embassy in Washington.

"I would like to thank you very much and convey the gratitude, admiration and appreciation of the President of the Greek Republic for your outstanding contribution to the ... strengthening of relations between US and Greece," Ambassador Loukas Tsilas said.

Both representatives said they were pleased at the honor.

[18] Papoutsis says renewable forms of energy must take proper place in development of the Mediterranean

European Union Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis said yesterday he would submit a comprehensive strategy on renewable sources of energy (RSE) in the next few months, as well as a new action programme for the Mediterranean.

Speaking at a two-day RSE conference in a central Athens hotel, which opened yesterday, he said RSE should acquire its proper place in the new MEDA programme of the EU for the Mediterranean, so that its significance in the development of the basin might be appreciated.

The conference is organized by the Greek Centre for Renewable Sources of Energy, in collaboration with the European Energy Foundation (EEF), the European Forum for Renewable Sources of Energy (EUFORES), the European Union for Solar Energy (EUROSOLAR) and with the participation of executives of international organizations, such as UNESCO and the European Investment Bank.

Among those who addressed the conference yesterday were Tunisian Industry Minister and president of the Mediterranean Council for Solar Energy, Slaheddine Bouguerra, and Malta's Environment Minister Francis Dimech.

Mr. Papoutsis said he would submit the findings of the conference, in the form of an official document entitled 'The Athens Agreement', to the Euro-Mediterranean ministerial conference in Barcelona at the end of the month, so that it might also receive political endorsement.

He proposed the designation of a Greek region, preferably Crete, for implementation of a comprehensive RSE programme, and said Greece was both willing and able to provide technology, know-how, and investment capital to non-EU Mediterranean countries for RSE.

Greek Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Anastasios Peponis proposed the creation of an inter-Mediterranean organ which will plan and coordinate a comprehensive environment policy for the basin encompassing three sectors - industry, energy and merchant marine.

End of English language section.